Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Texas

The M D Anderson Foundation is a Houston-based philanthropic organization that supports medical care, scientific research, and community initiatives. Established to honor Monroe Dunaway Anderson, it provides significant funding to enhance healthcare, biomedical research, and education. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong leadership and long-term impact, focusing on improving health outcomes and community infrastructure in Texas. Its legacy includes the ongoing support of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a leader in cancer treatment and research.

The Meadows Foundation Grant Program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Texans through diverse funding initiatives across education, environment, arts, and health. With a focus on community development and support for nonprofit organizations, the foundation aims to address pressing issues like homelessness and mental health. By prioritizing programs that offer measurable outcomes, they foster innovation and empower local efforts, ensuring a lasting impact in Texas. This grant program reflects a commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.

The Ted & Shannon Skokos Foundation Grant, established in 2008, supports nonprofit organizations in arts, education, humanity, and faith. It prioritizes visionary leadership, community impact, sustainability, organizational strength, and collaboration. The foundation seeks to fund eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with its mission and positively influence communities, particularly in Dallas, Texas, and Arkansas, where the founders have personal connections.

The Environmental Fund of Texas offers Tier 2 grants aimed at projects that protect natural environments, focusing on water, natural areas, and native wildlife. The fund supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving habitats and engaging the public in conservation efforts. By fostering partnerships and providing funding, the initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable practices across Texas. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in good standing, with a commitment to environmental protection and community involvement.

The Texas Water Development Fund (DFund) offers state-funded loans for a variety of infrastructure projects, including water supply and flood control initiatives. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions and nonprofit water supply corporations. The program streamlines funding by allowing multiple project components to be included in one loan. As of FY 2020, approximately $2.7 billion has been committed, with applications requiring a pre-application conference to discuss eligibility and project details.

The Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation grants are aimed at supporting wildlife conservation and animal science initiatives primarily in South Texas. The Foundation prioritizes projects that fill critical knowledge gaps through research or habitat restoration. Eligible organizations include IRS-registered, tax-exempt entities. The Foundation has awarded over $391 million since its inception, with a focus on impactful projects. Notably, capital projects require prior discussions with Foundation staff and at least 50% funding from other sources.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) in Texas aims to revitalize downtown areas by funding infrastructure improvements that promote economic activity. This program prioritizes projects that benefit low-to-moderate income individuals while addressing issues of slum and blight. With a funding limit of $1,000,000 and a minimum matching requirement of $20,000, it seeks to enhance public facilities and housing conditions, ultimately fostering viable communities and supporting workforce development.

The RFA- SHSP and UASI grant program by the State of Texas Office of the Governor aims to bolster state and local initiatives for preventing terrorism and enhancing public safety. It focuses on funding projects that address critical preparedness gaps, improve response capabilities, and ensure community resilience against threats. With a minimum funding level of $10,000, the program supports comprehensive efforts to protect citizens and infrastructure, ultimately fostering a secure environment for all Texans.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation Grant supports public charities with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on capital projects that enhance community life in states where Ash Grove operates. With a commitment to environmental sustainability, education, and human services, the Foundation prioritizes funding for renovation and construction projects. Grants typically reach up to $25,000, aiming to foster better living standards and support local initiatives that are vital for community growth and resilience.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The OST CARES program, funded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance mental health support in out-of-school time (OST) settings across Texas. This initiative will implement vital mental health programs through the Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) while also establishing a robust statewide infrastructure to support OST programs and professionals. The focus is on improving educational outcomes and ensuring the well-being of students in community settings.

State Homeland Security Program – Regular Projects (SHSP-R)

The purpose of this announcement is to solicit applications for projects that support state and local efforts to prevent terrorism and targeted violence and prepare for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of Texas citizens. The Office of the Governor (OOG), Public Safety Office (PSO) provides funding to implement investments that build, sustain, and deliver the 32 core capabilities essential to achieving a secure and resilient state.

This funding supports state, tribal and local preparedness activities that address high-priority preparedness gaps across all core capabilities where a nexus to terrorism exists. All investments must be consistent with capability targets set during the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) process, and gaps identified in the Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR).

The State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) is intended to support investments that improve the ability of jurisdictions to:

• Prevent a threatened or actual act of terrorism;
• Protect its citizens, residents, visitors, and assets against the greatest threats and hazards;
• Mitigate the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of future catastrophic events;
• Respond quickly to save lives, protect property and the environment, and meet basic human needs in the aftermath of a catastrophic incident; and/or
• Recover through a focus on the timely restoration, strengthening, accessibility and revitalization of infrastructure, housing, and a sustainable economy, as well as the health, social, cultural, historic, and environmental fabric of communities affected by a catastrophic incident.

Many activities which support the achievement of target capabilities related to terrorism preparedness may simultaneously support enhanced preparedness for other hazards unrelated to acts of terrorism. However, all SHSP projects must assist grantees in achieving target capabilities related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism.

Funding Levels

Minimum: $10,000

Maximum: None. However, PSO uses a risk-based formula to determine regional allocations. Local agencies should contact their regional COG for amounts historically available to the region and any maximum established by their COG. Additionally, PSO expects to make available approximately $1.5 - $2 million to state agencies in support of 10 – 15 projects under this solicitation and the SHSP-LETPA solicitation.

Match Requirement: None

The Urban Area Security Initiative Federal Fiscal Year 2025 (UASI-R) aims to bolster state and local efforts in Texas to prevent terrorism and prepare for significant threats. This funding opportunity is designed for high-threat, high-density urban areas to enhance capabilities in preventing attacks, protecting citizens, and mitigating disasters. Projects funded must align with identified needs from threat assessments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to public safety and resilience.

The Rural Health Facility Capital Improvement Program (CIP) in Texas supports rural public and non-profit hospitals in enhancing their facilities. Funded by a $50 million endowment from the tobacco settlement, the program facilitates capital improvements, new constructions, and equipment purchases. Award amounts can reach up to $100,000, with applicants needing to contribute a minimum of 25% in matching funds. This initiative aims to improve healthcare services in underserved rural areas.